A/N: Trigger warning: Due to the plot of this story, it goes to darker places than my other stories. I know that some are uncomfortable reading fics where Olivia has been raped. I don't expect anyone to read this, especially if it is triggering. Please proceed with caution, and don't feel bad if this isn't your cup of tea. There are other stories to read. Also trigger warnings for torture, kidnapping, and PTSD. Thank you to 13Starbuck42 for beta reading :)

A couple of hours after Cragen left, Nurse Madison came by to inform Elliot and Olivia that the doctor would be in shortly to assess whether Olivia could be discharged tomorrow. Marissa, the psychiatrist they had seen the other day, wanted to talk to them one more time too to discuss therapy sessions for Olivia when she was ready. It made Elliot's heart ache thinking about the long road to recovery his partner had ahead of her, both physically and emotionally.

Madison also encouraged them to walk in the hallway if Olivia felt up to it. Due to her spending the last several days laying in bed, it was important for her health that she got up and moving. Plus, after the trauma she experienced, it would likely be overwhelming to be around strangers again, so Madison told them it may be wise for her to have a small amount of exposure to that with a quick walk in the hallway before being released from the hospital.

Olivia held Elliot's hand tightly as they walked out of her room. Thankfully, the hallway was a lot less crowded than the ER had been; just a few nurses and doctors, a person wheeling a food cart into a patient's room. There was also an old woman hunched over a walker informing her younger companion that she was sick of physical therapy and hospital food. The younger woman, who must have been her daughter based on how tired she looked, told her mother she brought her some oranges, but that they had her on a bland diet to help get her blood pressure down.

When the old woman asked her daughter if she'd brought her house shoes too, earning a sigh, it reminded Elliot that he would need to call Kathleen or someone to bring a change of clothes to the hospital for Olivia. He hadn't gotten rid of any of her clothes because he'd held out hope she would be found alive someday, and wanted her to have the comfort of familiar clothing when she was.

Olivia scooted closer to Elliot as they walked through the skywalk overlooking the city. Even though they were inside, he could tell seeing the crowds of people on the streets below was making her nervous. He let go of her hand and wrapped his arm securely around her shoulders.

"Better?"

Her muscles relaxed as she snuggled into his side. "Can we go back to the room now?"

They would have to go outside when she was released from the hospital, but he didn't have the heart to push her yet, so he nodded and they turned around.

Munch and Fin called when they got back in the room and said they would wait to come see her when she was settled back in her apartment. The photo lineup would no doubt still be difficult in her traumatized state, but Elliot hoped that doing it at home rather than a hospital would give her a sense of safety.

They also, like Cragen, reminded Elliot he needed to take care of himself: shower, eat, and get some sleep. He wouldn't be able to take care of Olivia if he neglected his own health. He was still extremely reluctant to leave Olivia by herself for too long and decided he'd shower once they were at home. Even then, he would prefer that Cragen, Munch, or Fin be there while he did in case Olivia needed something, at least for the first few weeks.

The sound of a door closing down the hall made her jump, and she tightened her grip on his hand.

"Shh, it's ok," he soothed and held his arms out for her when they sat on the bed. "Come here."

She curled up in his lap, burrowing her face in his neck. He rubbed her back in slow circles, and she slowly yielded to his touch.

"Does this help?"

"Mmhmm."

"Good," he whispered against her hair. "Do you wanna lie down again?" He shifted on the bed when she nodded, laying down with her on his chest and pulling the blanket up over them.

"I don't wanna sleep." She snuggled deeper into his warmth.

"Alright. We don't have to. Are you hungry?"

Her response sent a chill down his spine: "I haven't earned it."

"Earned it?"

"I'm only allowed food if I've satisfied them and been good. I escaped, I haven't earned it. If-if I eat when I'm not allowed, they'll get angry and-"

He interrupted when her breathing hitched. "Olivia, sweetheart please listen to me, okay?" His voice was firm but soft. She didn't need his anger at her at the men who had traumatized her right now; she needed his protection, his love, his understanding. "You don't have to earn anything. Especially not basic things we all need, like food or water or shelter. They're not here. They can't hurt you anymore."

"But if one of them finds out-"

"I'm not going to let anyone hurt you again. I promise." Even safely wrapped in his arms, she still felt like she was under their control, and it was killing him. "I know it might not feel like it right now, but you have your control back. You can make choices, and no one is gonna get angry. This is a safe place-"

"It's a hospital. What if one of the doctors knows them and says something, and they find out?"

"They're not gonna find out, I promise. And I meant me - I'm your safe place. You can ask for anything, you can tell me anything." He wondered how long she'd been hungry since she was brought to the hospital, how long she'd been afraid to ask for such a basic human need. It caused a lump to form in his throat. "We can pick something light on your stomach for now, and I'll get something too if that would make you feel more comfortable."

"Will you-"

"I'll stay right here and hold you. I'm not going anywhere unless you want me too." He desperately needed her to know that she could decide whether or not she wanted him near her, whether or not she wanted him to touch or hold her, whether or not she wanted to talk about something. He did have to get her to eat though, because it was a matter of life or death, but he tried to be gentle about it. "They want to make sure you can keep food down before they send you home."

Wrong choice of words.

Her eyes widened. "They're-they're gonna keep me here if I don't-"

"For your own safety and health. It's not-you're not trapped here, honey. We just want you healthy."

"So even if I said no to food they wouldn't be able to keep me here against my will?"

Don't lose your patience with her, Stabler. She's extremely traumatized. She's not herself.

He sighed. "Liv, I'm really worried about you. I am not going to get angry. I'm not going to hurt you, but you need to try to eat something, ok? Please? Just a few bites? For me?" He hated that she'd spent the last year being expected to do things to 'please' the monsters who'd held her captive, but he had to 'order' her in this case, even though it made him sick.

"You'll watch the door and protect me?"

"With my life."

She hesitated for a moment before nodding, and he sighed in relief, holding her tighter in the hope that his embrace would keep her fear at bay.

Due to the fact that she'd been starved for so long, the doctor recommended she start with something simple. They had the dietary staff bring some chicken rice soup for her, and Elliot ordered baked chicken with broccoli, wild rice, and peas. He wasn't sure he felt hungry enough to eat all of it, but he was hoping Olivia would steal from his plate like old times, when they used to split food. He wanted to give her plenty of options, and also a sense of normalcy.

Despite knowing starvation was one of the forms of torture she'd endured, seeing the extent of it was even more heartbreaking.

He struggled to fight back more tears when, after he repeated his promise that she was safe and could eat as much as she wanted, she began scarfing down spoonfuls so quickly he had to tell her to slow down.

"Hey, hey." His voice was soft, and he stroked her hair, trying to help her feel calm and safe. "You don't need to rush, Livia. You don't need to rush. I don't want you to choke or get sick, ok?"

Her hands were shaking so hard she dropped the spoon back into the bowl, causing hot soup to splash on both of them.

"I'm sorry!" Her panicked eyes darted to the door as if she expected someone to come storming in to do God-knows-what to her for spilling the food.

"Shh, it's ok. It's ok. Here, can I try? Can I feed you?"

The old Olivia would've given him a death glare for that suggestion and told him she could take care of herself. He half expected her to do that now, but instead she hesitated for a moment before nodding. She probably didn't trust herself or even feel like herself, and he hated that. He hoped he could one day help her to find herself again.

Elliot scooped some soup onto the spoon and slowly brought it to her lips. She had thankfully settled, relaxing into his embrace enough to take a bite.

The phrase there you go was on his tongue, but he didn't say it. He didn't want her to feel like she was doing this for him, didn't want her to feel like letting him feed her was being obedient. It was her choice, one that she could revoke at any time. He was simply offering her assistance.

"You wanna try some chicken?" he prompted after a few bites of soup.

"It's on your plate. What will you eat?"

"I've still got plenty." He cut off a piece and fed it to her. "We used to split back in the day, remember?"

A year ago. Before the terror. Before she was violently ripped away from the people who loved her. From the city she called home. From herself.

"Here. Do you want some water to help swallow it down?" It might be something she needed, but he still wanted to be careful, frame things as a question not a demand as much as he could, give her control back. "Do you wanna hold the cup?" She nodded and took it from him, taking a few sips.

She spoke after swallowing. "Thank you."

"You don't need to thank me for that, honey. Whatever you need, I'm here. Just tell me when you're full, ok?"

"Ok."

He continued feeding her until she insisted that he eat too, and they split the remaining chicken and vegetables. Hospital food wasn't exactly delicious, but when your body is deprived as much as hers was, anything will do.

"Full?"

"Mmhmm." She turned and buried her face in his neck but didn't close her eyes. "Will they let me go home now?"

"We'll ask, ok?"

She yawned and nodded against him. He held her in silence for a while as she rested. She wasn't sleeping, but she wasn't frightened at the moment either. Her head was resting over his heart, and he hoped his heartbeat was soothing to her. He prayed to whoever was listening that she felt safe and loved.

Having her in his arms made him feel calm too because she was alive. She was home, and he never wanted to let her go again.

"El?"

"Hmm?" He murmured against her hair, unable to stop himself from pressing a feather-light kiss to her head. He cursed himself, worried he may have triggered her, but she didn't seem upset. "What is it?"

"I don't have a home to go back to, do I? I didn't even think about-but it's been a year. Where am I gonna go?"

"You do have a home, Olivia-"

"But my apartment had to have been sold by now."

"To me." He smiled. "I sold my place and moved into yours."

"Why?"

He tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Because I never gave up hope. I knew you were still out there somewhere. I couldn't-" His voice cracked. "I couldn't get rid of your things, not when I still had hope you would be found. I love you so much, Olivia Benson. If that apartment was all I had left of you, I couldn't stand the thought of someone else living there. It's all still there, baby. There's more food in the fridge than when you lived there, though." He grinned when she rolled her eyes; she was still in there somewhere. "But your furniture, your clothes, your bed, your home is still there. You just have a roommate now. Unless you kick me out."

"Where do your kids sleep when you have them?"

"In sleeping bags on the floor. They love it."

"It's really all still there?"

"It really is."

She threw her arms around him tightly. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"Loving me so much."

"You never need to thank me for that. It's the most natural thing in the world."

"I love you too." She snuggled against him tighter.

"I'll tell you what. I know there are a few things they will want to check before we can leave, but I was thinking if you're ok with it I could ask Kathleen to bring some clothes for you to change into. Would that be ok?"

The gown she'd been wearing when he found her was in evidence, and he told them to pitch it when they were done with it. He wanted her to have something warmer than the hospital gown too.

"El, I don't want your kids to feel like they have to take care of me."

"They won't. They love you and they've missed you, but you don't have to see them until you feel up to it. I'll just go to the door."

"Can you ask her to bring a hairbrush too?"

He couldn't resist a chuckle, thankful for some lighter moments after the last week. "Yeah, I will."

X

Elliot had told Kathleen to text him when she got to the hospital room instead of knocking. He couldn't protect Olivia from everything, but he would still be as cautious as possible when it came to avoiding things that may cause her anxiety to spike.

It took a couple of minutes of reassurance to get Olivia to let go of him. He showed her the text so she would know he was just going to the door and right back. She hesitantly allowed him to get out of the bed but kept her eyes on him the whole time, worried if he left her line of sight she'd wake up and her rescue would have been a dream.

Kathleen had asked if she could see Olivia, but Elliot suggested it may be better to wait until she was back home. Olivia had told him she didn't want his kids to see how clingy she was. He tried to tell her they wouldn't care, that being fearful was part of PTSD and didn't make her weak, but he knew appearing strong and independent in front of others was important to her.

Elliot sat back on the bed and handed her a hairbrush and the sweats Kathleen had picked out. "Do you want me to go into the bathroom with you or stand outside and guard the door?" He wanted her to feel safe, but it was also important that she have privacy if she wanted it. "I can go in with you and not look if you need me in there."

"I-" She swallowed hard. "I can try being alone and just having you guard the door."

"Are you sure? You don't have to be brave for me, Liv. If it would feel better to have me with you that's ok too." He stroked her cheek with his thumb.

She nodded shakily. "I think I'll be okay. Just-maybe don't close the door completely so I know you're still out there?"

He squeezed her hand. "Ok. We'll try that, and if you change your mind just tell me, alright?"

"Ok."

He closed the bathroom door halfway, leaning his arm against the door frame so she'd know he was still out there. "This ok?"

"Yeah."

She had gotten the sweatpants on, and was halfway through pulling her NYPD sweatshirt over her head when they heard a deep, loud laugh in the hall. She shuddered, remembering the laughter, the taunting, when her pleas for the monsters to stop only seemed to rile them up more.

"El? Are you still out there?" Her rising panic caused her vision to blur. "Elliot!"

The laughter. The sweat. The smell. The pain, oh God the pain. Everything hurt, and it was cold, and she wanted it to be over. She couldn't breathe, and she wasn't sure if she was choking on something or being suffocated.

"Liv, I'm right here! Shh, I'm right here. You're ok. I'm right here."

"El?"

"I'm right here, sweetheart. Can you open your eyes for me?"

Oh, her eyes were squeezed shut. That's why she couldn't see anything.

Elliot was crouched down in front of her, his hands at his sides, not wanting to touch her unless she asked him to.

She started to cough violently, and the concern in his features deepened. "Shh, it's ok. Try to breathe with me, ok? You're safe. It's just me."

Olivia gripped his hand tightly, trying to test her breathing, and sobbed in relief when she realized whatever had been choking her was gone.

"Shh, in and out. That's it. Squeeze my hand as hard as you need to. It's alright."

"T-they were here, and they-the gown-" She took a shuddery breath. "One of them tore it, and shoved it in my mouth after they finished-I couldn't breathe. It was soaked with their-I couldn't breathe, El."

"I'm so sorry, baby." He wrapped her in his arms when she leaned forward, sobbing against his chest. "I am so, so sorry. Come here." He guided her to the mirror. "There's nothing in your mouth right now, see? It's over. It's all over. We're gonna get you home, ok? I'm gonna see what we need to do before they can discharge you and then I'm gonna take you home." The only response was a sniffle. "Can you tell me what triggered it? Was it taking off the hospital gown?"

She shook her head. "He-someone was laughing, and when they-they always laughed when I-"

She sobbed again, and he held her tight. "Shh, it's over. They aren't here. I won't let them hurt you. I've got you."

"Please don't leave me. I thought I was ok being alone, but I got scared."

"I won't leave your side. I promise." He pulled away slightly to walk towards the door, and she gripped him tighter. "I'm not leaving you, Livia. I've got you. Is it ok if we go back to the bed now? I'll ask the doctor to come in and give us discharge instructions."

She nodded against his neck, and he kept one arm wrapped around her shoulders as they walked back to the bed.

"El?"

"Hmm?"

"Will you have to go back to work when we get home?"

He laid back on the bed and wrapped her in his arms. "I've got plenty of vacation days, and I'm using them to stay home with you. I'm not going anywhere." He pulled the blanket up over them, hoping she felt warm and comfortable and safe.

"I-I don't know if I'll ever be able to go back. I don't think I can." She sounded heartbroken, devastated, and he didn't know what to say because the sad truth was that she was probably right. It made him hate her captors even more for taking away her ability to feel safe doing the job she loved. Instead, he held her tighter and paged the doctor.

"Why don't we get you out of here, ok?"

She snuggled into him and nodded. He hated that there wasn't more he could do, but this was a start.

X

They were relieved a few minutes later when the doctor came in and told them they would start the discharge process. Olivia stayed cocooned in Elliot's arms while the doctor, who introduced herself as Rachel, gave them instructions on what side effects to watch out for with the medication Olivia had been given for the STI, as well as what to do if any of her external injuries were to get infected. She also showed Elliot how to treat and change the dressing on the wounds that hadn't already scarred over. He had to swallow a lump in his throat at just how much his partner had endured, how much aftercare she would need, but he'd be there for her every step of the way.

Due to how much she'd been starved, the doctor warned them that she'd likely get full faster, and would need nutrient-rich foods in smaller portions more times a day. Of course, that wouldn't always be easy. PTSD could greatly impact an appetite, but they would do the best they could.

Marissa came in to talk to them when Rachel left and gave them a referral list of therapists to help set Olivia up with a long-term therapy plan. She told them that Olivia could see their department shrink if she preferred, but Elliot felt that Olivia would feel safer with a female therapist even though Dr. Huang was their friend, and Olivia agreed.

The psychiatrist also prescribed a medication Olivia could take to help with anxiety and discussed the dosage and side effects, Then asked her if she could rate her current anxiety and depression level on a scale of one to ten.

She tightened her grip on Elliot's hand. "I-I feel safe right now. Elliot's with me."

"Good. Will you be staying with her when she goes home, Detective Stabler?"

"Of course. I moved into her old apartment."

"And the doctor has informed you of steps to take for her care?"

"Yes."

She paused before continuing, considering her words carefully. "Olivia, are you having thoughts of hurting yourself right now? Or anyone else?"

"No."

She nodded. "Ok, and Elliot is someone you trust right? You feel safe telling him how you are feeling?"

"Of course."

"And Elliot, make sure you are taking care of yourself as well. You can't take care of someone you love properly if you are neglecting your own health."

"I understand."

Olivia rolled her eyes. "I made him eat some of my food earlier."

"You did not make me. We were sharing," Elliot retorted.

Marissa smiled. It was obvious that these two had a strong bond and love for one another, and it was nice to hear some healthy banter because her patient had a long road ahead of her.

"Ok, well, I will sign off on your discharge paperwork then. I'm assuming you have your car Detective Stabler?"

"I do. Thank you for everything. Would you mind sending Nurse Madison in if you see her? We would like to thank her too."

"I sure will."

X

As expected, Nurse Madison told them they didn't need to thank her, that she was happy she had been able to help and to please let her know if they needed anything else. She also warned them that she'd seen press outside the hospital, and Elliot was glad he'd had Cragen move his car into the parking garage. Madison told them the news trucks were in the front, and gave them directions for leaving from the back side of the hospital so they could avoid them altogether. The last thing Olivia needed was a bunch of strangers cornering her and hounding her with questions.

Still, he could tell that just being out of her hospital room with other people around was making Olivia anxious. She clutched his hand tightly while they waited for an elevator, and he squeezed back, hoping the gesture was reassuring. Thankfully, there was no one else in the elevator, so she wouldn't have to worry about being in a tight space with a stranger. Even with Elliot there, that would no doubt worsen her anxiety.

He wrapped her in his arms while they rode down to the parking garage. "You ok?"

She nodded against his shoulder. "I just want to be home."

"I do too. Soon, I promise."

She broke out of his embrace when the elevator doors opened and backed up into a corner. "It's too dark out there. They could be hiding."

Her fearful, small voice broke his heart, and he stretched his hand out to her. "Liv-"

"I can't, El." She whimpered as flashbacks invaded her vision, images of being transported through dark alleys and garages to whatever hell she would face next.

"I'll be right beside you, honey. I won't let go. I promise. There's no one out there right now."

"How do you know? You're still in the elevator too."

He sighed as the doors closed again. "Would it help if I carried you? Then we could blend in together and get to the car really fast. They won't notice us."

"I-is there any other way we could get to the car? I thought you had parked outside."

"I did, but Cragen parked my car in here so we could avoid the press when we left the hospital. He parked around the corner, so if I left to get the car and bring it over here I would be out of your sight for a couple of minutes. I don't want to leave you alone right now." She hesitantly reached for his hand. "I would never let anyone near you who was gonna hurt you. Ever. They'd have to go through me first. You trust me right?" he pleaded softly.

"Yes." She slowly stepped towards him, and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.

"Ok. Let's do this together. Just a step at a time, and before you know it we will be home, ok? No more hospitals."

"Ok. I'll try." She wrapped her arm around his waist and held on as tight as she could. The doors opened before Elliot could push the button.

"Oh, excuse me. I'm sorry sir." An old man stepped out of the way to let them out of the elevator. Elliot was disappointed that their luck of not running into anyone had run out, but the man seemed polite, holding the elevator door as they walked out. "You kids alright?"

He was an inch or two shorter than Elliot, and had thick rimmed glasses, and a Korean veteran cap on. Elliot estimated that he was probably in his seventies, not someone he would have trouble taking down if needed, but thankfully he didn't seem like a threat.

"We're fine. Thank you, sir." Before they could continue walking a car alarm went off in the distance. Olivia jumped, and her grip on Elliot tightened. Her eyes darted back and forth as if expecting someone to come out of the shadows. She eyed the elderly stranger warily, and Elliot saw a hint of recognition in his eyes. Still, he moved so he was in front of her, his protective instincts always on alert.

"What are your names, son?"

"Elliot Stabler. Detective Elliot Stabler, and my partner Detective Olivia Benson." It didn't matter that she would probably never be a Detective again. She still deserved the respect of the title.

"Where is your car parked, Detective?"

Elliot was starting to get suspicious and was hoping his years at SVU had just made him jaded. "Why?"

"I served in Korea, in the army. I had to play dead when I was shot at. That was over fifty years ago, and I still jump when I hear a loud noise I wasn't expecting. I don't know what caused your PTSD, Detective Benson, but I've dealt with it myself enough to know what it looks like. You constantly wonder what's lurking in the shadows. It's horrible no matter how many years have passed. I hate to bother the two of you, but I would like to go get your car for you and drive it over here so you don't have to walk through this trigger minefield. Would that be ok?"

Elliot instinctively tightened his arm around Olivia. "I was in the Marines. Desert Storm. Thank you for your service, uh-"

"Where are my manners? You can call me Bill. Thank you for your service as well." He smiled and Elliot hesitated, but decided to give the man a chance. It was just a car after all. They could call Cragen, Munch, or Fin to pick them up if needed. Protecting Olivia was his priority. He handed his keys over, describing the car and where it was parked.

"I'll be back as fast as I can."

They waited in silence for a few minutes, and thankfully no more car alarms sounded, but Olivia was shaking in his arms. He wondered if they shouldn't have just declined the veteran's offer and walked to the car themselves. He didn't seem like he would've hurt them if they had declined. Elliot tightened his arms around her.

The familiar sedan pulled up in front of them, and Elliot exhaled in relief as Bill got out and handed back the keys.

"Thank you, sir. This means a lot."

"You're welcome. You two take care of yourselves."

Elliot nodded, opening the passenger door for Olivia and gently coaxing her to let go of him, reassuring her that it would just be for a few seconds. Then he quickly went around to the driver's side. He held her hand in his as he drove, thankful that amidst all the evil there was still some good in the world.

Olivia seemed to relax once they were back in the sunlight, and he stroked the back of her hand.

They were finally going home.

X

Elliot cursed under his breath when he saw news vans pulled up at the front of the apartment building.

"El? What's going on?" Olivia had managed to doze off for part of the car ride, and he hated that her anxiety immediately picked back up.

"The press followed us here." He tried to keep his voice calm, knowing she needed stability right now. "I'm gonna park in the back, ok?"

"Ok."

He pulled around to the back parking lot, which to their luck, had a space near the door. Once the car was parked he walked around to Olivia's side, opened the door and knelt down next to her. "You ready? I can carry you if you're tired."

"I'm ok."

"Alright."

She took his hand as they walked inside. "Did they paint? The doors look new."

Elliot smiled, thankful she felt safe enough at the moment to have a mundane conversation. "Yeah. Just a couple months ago. New flooring too."

"It looks nice." She leaned against him while they waited for the elevator. "Did-did you do anything different with the apartment? Turn it into a bachelor pad?"

"I don't need a bachelor pad. No one can replace you. Ever. It's a bit messier, got a bigger TV after yours quit working a few months ago, and there is more food in the fridge. That's it."

She raised an eyebrow. "How much messier is 'a bit'?"

"It's not that bad. I promise." The elevator was empty when they got on, and they rode up to the fourth floor in a comfortable silence.

The minute they stepped inside her apartment, both partners were hit with a sudden, overwhelming wave of emotion. Elliot checked to make sure the door was locked before turning his attention back to Olivia, who had let go of his hand and was looking around the four walls she'd spent most of her adult life in before the year of terror.

"It's-it's really all still here. It's still-I'm still-I'm here. I'm home. I'm-"

He held his arms out for her again and she sagged against him with a heavy sob. "You survived."

"I survived," she repeated, her voice broken, but to him it was beautiful. "I survived. Elliot I was so fucking scared."

"I know, baby. Shh, I know. Let it out. We're in your home. We're gonna be ok. You cry as much as you need to. It's just you and me. Just us."

"I was terrified. Every day I-I wondered how much worse it was gonna get. I never thought I'd see you again, and I started thinking if they killed me at least I would have relief. They were so evil. Why did this happen to me?"

"I don't know. I'm so damn sorry, Liv. I wish I could take it all away."

She wept in his arms, and he rocked her back and forth, beyond grateful they wouldn't be interrupted by any doctors or nurses. She could finally just be.

"You wanna walk around?" he asked her once her sobs had turned into sniffles. She nodded against him, feeling calmer as they walked through their apartment. "Welcome home, sweetheart." He sniffled when his own tears fell, and buried his face in her hair. "Welcome home."

A/N: Thanks for reading! Sorry for the long delay on this one. I had planned to update it a couple months ago, then had a great-uncle pass because of complications of covid, then got covid myself, so the muse was dormant for awhile. Grief and covid suck.

Part of this chapter is a tribute to my Great-Uncle. EO's good samaritan that helped them in the parking garage. Because as we keep hearing COVID deaths reported as numbers it can be easy to become desensitized and forget that all of these people had families that loved them and that they contributed something to the world. They deserve to be remembered as people, not just statistics.

Wishing everyone reading this good health this winter 3